Manila: The Apayao provincial government is actively training local guides and support personnel to assist researchers conducting studies in the province's expansive 300,000-hectare UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. Governor Elias Bulut announced the establishment of a new biosphere research center aimed at facilitating local researchers, international academic institutions, and scientists.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract students and researchers in the fields of biology, zoology, and ecology, who are required to undertake field studies as part of their academic courses. Governor Bulut emphasized the importance of the biosphere reserve designation, noting that it positions Apayao as a significant site for such academic research activities.
The provincial government plans to charge fees for research activities, with the collected funds being allocated to the biosphere reserve fund. Governor Bulut highlighted the necessity of employing local guides who are familiar with the terrain, as researchers will be accessing forests, mountains, and other protected areas. This initiative is also expected to provide additional income opportunities for local communities.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared Apayao a biosphere reserve in July 2024. It is the only UNESCO biosphere reserve in northern Luzon, distinguished as a nesting site for the Philippine eagle. Governor Bulut also mentioned that the Philippine Eagle Foundation has been encouraging companies to invest in Apayao through carbon credit programs, positioning the province as a beneficiary of carbon sequestration initiatives.
Under the carbon credit system, companies that produce carbon emissions compensate areas that contribute to environmental protection. Provinces like Apayao, which maintain their forests, receive a portion of these payments, benefiting those who help protect the biosphere. The provincial government is also working to identify protected zones outside alienable and disposable lands, while taking into account the traditional farming practices of local communities.
Governor Bulut stressed the importance of balancing environmental protection with the needs of residents, acknowledging community concerns about access to hunting grounds and sources of wood for cooking and other necessities. He expressed a desire for neighboring provinces, Abra and Kalinga, to pursue biosphere reserve recognition, given their shared mountain ecosystem, which he views as a valuable asset for environmental conservation and investment.
